On the trail of watches
Overview
-
Hint
Intro
La Chaux-de-Fonds is more closely associated with watches than perhaps any other town or city. Located at an altitude of 1,000 metres above sea level, its streets are laid out in a chessboard pattern. This successful symbiosis between urban development and the watchmaking industry has led to the city being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Chaux-de-Fonds is also the birthplace of Le Corbusier.
Owing to its unique urban landscape, La Chaux-de-Fonds has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. Following a major fire at the end of the 18th century, the streets were laid out in a rectangular grid to suit the needs of the watchmaking industry, resulting in today’s unmistakable chessboard pattern. La Chaux-de-Fonds and its neighbour Le Locle are symbols of a strategic alliance between urban development and the watchmaking industry.
Absolutely everything here revolves around time.
Not far from the centre of La Chaux-de-Fonds, in the former auction hall, is the information centre where visitors can learn all about the international significance of the city’s urban landscape. The centre is the ideal starting point for immersing yourself in the world of watches and clocks.
More information: Watchmaking information centre
With more than 4,500 items in its collection, the Musée International d’Horlogerie (MIH) is one of the world’s most important museums for watch lovers. The museum is dedicated to the history of timekeeping, and also highlights the technical, artistic, social and economic aspects of watchmaking through the ages. The museum shows the world of watches in all its diversity.
More information: Musée International d’Horlogerie
The “Watchmaking Industry” tour focuses on the extraordinary architecture of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Experienced guides take visitors on a journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site.
More information: Watchmaking industry
To round off your stay in the watchmaking capital, we recommend a trip to the “Le Garde Temps” workshop, where a local watchmaker opens his doors to visitors. Under his expert guidance, you can put together your very own watch. No-one leaves his studio without their very own self-made timepiece.
More information: “Le Garde Temps” workshop
More information about La Chaux-de-Fonds as a destination:
La Chaux-de-Fonds
Three-Lakes region, La Chaux-de-Fonds
General information
| Season |
All year
|
|---|---|
| Time required |
4 to 8 hours (full day)
|
| Suitable for children with age |
10 to 13 years, 14+ years
|
| Suitable for |
Groups, Individual, Couples
|
| Weather |
Indoor
|
| Category |
Culture, Urban
|
